Witold Basiński currently serves as the Minister of War in the Polish Social Nationalist Republic, having previously held the position of Kultokrat of Lithuania Kraj during its brief existence. He is recognized as a close associate of Hubert Ziółkowski and is reputed for his assertive military leadership. Born to parents of Polish Szlachta and German royalty heritage in Lithuania, Basiński has mentioned his family's past property ownership, comprising an entire road of houses, before their relocation to Poland. During his teenage years, he and his family settled in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship of Poland. Dissatisfaction with the PiS government's perceived lack of nationalist orientation and cultural modernism eventually led Basiński to express his discontent. Furthermore, he advocated for Poland to reclaim the Kresy territories from Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine through forceful means.
He developed a deep admiration for Józef Piłsudski, the renowned Polish marshal of the interwar era, which led him to join the Confederation of Independent Poland party—a neo-sanationist nationalist party. Although he made an unsuccessful attempt to participate in local elections, he also became affiliated with the Zabójcy Zła organization through his personal connection with its founder. Upon joining, he was granted the rank of Officer and dedicated himself to studying military doctrine and tactics. In 2026, when the Polish Sejm enacted Order 1920, he played a pivotal role as one of the ZZ officers orchestrating a triumphant march in Wilno, advocating for a substantial Polonization campaign in Lithuania.
During the Ziółkowski coup in 2027, he aligned himself with the Social Nationalist movement and actively participated in the conflict against Sorbia. He vehemently criticized pan-Slavism, referring to it as a "destructive affliction targeting the integrity of Poland." His campaign included advocating against the Zgorzelec Treaty and calling for a full-scale war against Sorbia, alleging the annexation of the Greater Poland Voivodeship. Following the establishment of the government, he was appointed as the Minister of War and Kultokrat of Lithuania Kraj by Kultokrat Hubert Ziółkowski. Initially, he viewed the Belarusian democratic rebellion with limited significance but still supported intervention in the conflict, recognizing it as an opportunity to extend Polish control over the Kresy region.
Upon the establishment of the Federal Republic of Eastern Poland and Lithuania (FRWPIL) by the opposition in Wilno, Basiński responded with strong emotions, expressing his anger and frustration. He initially proposed a drastic measure of launching a nuclear attack on Belarus in retaliation. However, Hubert Ziółkowski intervened and vetoed the proposition. Instead, Ziółkowski opted for an increase in military expenditure and the implementation of a conscription campaign in the remaining areas of Lithuania under their control. Basiński took charge of leading the triple offensive, which nearly resulted in the capture of Wilno and the establishment of the Polish-Belarussian zone. Additionally, he was responsible for organizing bombing raids on the FRWPIL during the period of frozen hostilities which ended up being so brutal he ended up getting the nickname "Butcher of Wilno".
It has come to light that Basiński played a significant role in the formulation of notes and ideas pertaining to détente with Greater Illinois. The Kultokrat, on the other hand, merely reviewed and signed them, emphasizing that he was not inclined to personally draft anything that appeared supportive of Western interests. Generally, Hubert Ziółkowski, the Kultokrat, displayed limited interest in pursuing détente with the West. Instead, he preferred maintaining the status quo and directing attention towards the Ukrainian issue, occasionally indulging in excessive drinking. In contrast, Basiński orchestrated the events that led to the issuance of the PSNR ultimatum and the subsequent continuation of the war.
Throughout the course of the continuation war, Basiński assumed his role as the commander of the armed forces, collaborating closely with the Wagner group to pursue their shared objectives. Amidst the ZZ coup attempt on Ziółkowski, Basiński issued orders for the Polish armed forces to engage with ZZ members within the Wilno Voivodeship jurisdiction. However, the soldiers exhibited their refusal to comply with such directives, resulting in their subsequent discharge from service.
Political Beliefs
Basiński, in contrast to many members of the Polish administration, has expressed that he does not harbor staunchly anti-Atlanticist sentiments. He maintains that as long as Western powers do not seek to impose imperialistic agendas upon Poland or Europe as a whole, he sees no reason to foster anti-Western sentiments. Furthermore, he has demonstrated a lack of sympathy towards the Neo-Soviet Union, having previously identified himself as an anti-communist. While he does not openly oppose Polish foreign policy or the labor force, there seems to be a sense of discontentment with the current state of affairs, albeit not aligning with a strictly pro-Western stance either. Basiński's actions have predominantly revolved around his pursuit of dismantling the FRWPIL, even if it meant aligning with various factions. Beyond this, he exhibits tendencies towards isolationism.